Pentax K100D D-SLR review : This year Pentax have given their series of digital SLR cameras another complete update. This means we finally see the end of the rather ridiculous name *ist D; which didn't exactly appeal to the imagination, if you even managed to pronounce it at all. The new series digital SLR cameras now go by the names of K100D, K110D and K10D. Although these may all seem to be rather random names upon first glance, things couldn't be more different. The -K refers to the beginnings of the Pentax K-bayonet, which marks its 30th anniversary this year. With the reference to the K-bayonet, Pentax assert that they intend to be a force to be reckoned with, just as they have been in the past. We had the opportunity to test the Pentax K100D, the successor of the *ist DS2.

Pentax K100 D - Shake reduction
The Pentax K100 D is equipped with a Shake Reduction (SR) system, which reduces camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under difficult shooting conditions, such as using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark or at night without a supplementary flash illumination, or using extended exposures for sunset scenes. The SR mechanism incorporated in the Pentax K100D is designed to minimize camera shake by oscillating the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the speed of oscillation in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. As a result, it does not require special anti-shake lenses, and can be used with almost all existing Pentax interchangeable lenses.

Pentax K100D - Improved image quality
To improve the image quality, Pentax have equipped their K100D with new algorithms, which should -among other things- help to reduce noise. Not that Pentax users had any reason to complain! Pentax even offer prospective users of a K100D the chance to work with ISO 3200; a unique feature in this class of DSLR cameras. The speed of the camera, which formed a major disadvantage of the Pentax *ist DS2, is another feature that promises improvement. The auto focus provides you with eleven focus points, nine of which are cross-type sensors.

Pentax DSLR K100D - LCD monitor
The Pentax K100D incorporates a large 2.5 inch color LCD monitor on its back panel. Its wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image over 140 degrees vertically and horizontally, ensuring effortless image viewing even from a diagonal position. With a total of approximately 210,000 pixels, it also offers digital zooming of playback images up to 12 times for easy confirmation of the image’s focusing status and details. Furthermore, the large monitor size allows for large letters, digits and icons on the menu screens to facilitate menu confirmation and camera operations.

Pentax K100D digital reflex camera review
As far as specifications are concerned, the Pentax K100D seems to be a mid-segment camera. However, nothing could be further from the truth; Pentax are in fact aiming at the lower segment, something that only becomes apparent when taking a peek at the camera's price-tag. On paper, the Pentax K100D certainly seems to offer true value for money. We had the chance to work with the Pentax K100D digital SLR camera for a considerable amount of time. The test results can be read in the following Pentax K100D DSLR review.